Thoracic Surgery Training Program

Duty Hour Policy

Duty hours are defined as all clinical and academic activities related to the residency program, ie, patient care (both inpatient and outpatient), administrative duties related to patient care, the provision for transfer of patient care, time spent in-house during call activities, and scheduled academic activities such as conferences. Duty hours do not include reading and preparation time spent away from the duty site.

Duty hours must be limited to 80 hours per week, averaged over a four-week period, inclusive of all in-house call activities.

Residents must be provided with 1 day in 7 free from all educational and clinical responsibilities, averaged over a 4-week period, inclusive of call. One day is defined as one continuous 24-hour period free from all clinical, educational, and administrative activities.

Adequate time for rest and personal activities must be provided between all daily duty periods. This should consist of a 10-hour time period provided between all daily duty periods, and after in-house call. Residents who extend their work time for patient care or educational opportunities will be exempted by the Program Director from morning rounds or conference to comply with the 10 hour rule. This must be documented at the time of extension via email to the Program Director.

Moonlighting Policy

Moonlighting is not allowed during the Thoracic Surgery residency

Fatigue Policy

The Thoracic Surgery program distributes the required set of journal articles to each Thoracic Surgery resident relating to the dangers of sleep deprivation ad fatigue on performance and patient safety. This information is discussed with the faculty and residents. The Program Director and Assistant Program Director monitors all residents for signs of mental/emotional stress that could inhibit the performance and learning and a referral for appropriate institutional counseling and psychological support services is initiated. Residents are free to receive such services confidentially either organized through the Program Director or directly through the GME office if so desired.